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WBB: Durr, Giacone elevated to assistant coaches following NCAA coaching limit increase

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – With the NCAA's coaching limit increase going into effect on July 1, Emily Durr and Jenna Giacone (juh-cone-ee) have been elevated to assistant coaches on Shauna Green's Illinois women's basketball staff.

"I am very excited to utilize the new NCAA rule where we can have six on-court coaches with promoting Jenna and Emily," shared Green. "They are both very deserving to be in this role and I can't wait to see the impact they make on our team with this new opportunity. They both have so much knowledge and energy to pour into our student-athletes."

Passed in January 2023, the Division I Council moved forward to modernize rules for coaching limits across several sports. In men's and women's basketball, the Council supported an increase of two coaches. Per the NCAA, these additional coaches may engage in coaching activities but may not recruit off campus. The rule change codified a blanket waiver that allowed up to two non-coaching staff members to engage in instructional duties if one or more of the head and/or assistant coaches were not in attendance.

Durr will add on-court coaching duties in addition to her director of recruiting operations responsibilities while Giacone will add on-court coaching duties on top of her director of scouting and player development role in year two on Green's Illini staff.

"I am truly honored and thankful Coach Green has chosen me to fulfill this expanded role under the new NCAA guidelines," stated Durr. "She is the epitome of a great leader, and I can't wait to work with our amazing staff and student-athletes day in and day out. Now let's get to work, I-L-L!"

"I am beyond excited to step into the new role the NCAA has created, allowing two additional on-court coaches," Giacone said. "Coaching is something I have always wanted to do, and I am ready and eager to be more hands on with our players. I want to thank Coach Green for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to fulfill this new role and I am ready to get to work!"

Both Durr and Giacone followed Green from her previous stop at Dayton. Durr served one season as an administrative associate with the Flyers while Giacone played six seasons under Green at UD.

Future Illini offensive line

2021-24 recruiting classes:

LT: Brandon Henderson / Brandon Hansen / Magnus Moeller
LG: Caleb Pyfrom / Joey Okla / Clayton Leonard
C: TJ McMillen / Josh Kruetz / Will Leys
RG: Eddie Tuerk / Zafir Stewart/ Zach Barlev
RT: Josh Gesky / Hunter Whitenack / Zachary Aamland

* Assuming Tuerk plays OL and adds bulk.

* Pyfrom and Stewart could play G or RT

* Still need another legit left tackle.
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